Solar Power World Releases 2014 Top 400 Solar Contractors List

Solar Power World, the industry’s leading publication, has released the 2014 Top Solar Contractors list. Featuring 400 of the industry’s most successful solar installation and development companies, the annual list shines a light on businesses that are bringing gigawatts of clean energy to grids across the U.S. and Canada.

The 2014 Top 400 Solar Contractors list features companies working in four markets – utility, commercial, residential and off-grid – and in varying capacities. From residential rooftop installers to construction firms building multi-megawatt projects, the Top 400 Solar Contractors list recognizes the heart of the solar industry.

The list ranks applicants according to their influence in the solar market in 2013. Ranks were determined by the number of megawatts a company installed in 2013. In some cases, companies reported megawatts for which they were a sub-contractor. If two companies reported the same 2013 numbers, they were sorted by total megawatts installed.

Photo Courtesy of Maui Solar Project

A new feature of the list this year is specific company categorizations. Companies self-identified as an EPC, construction firm, developer, electrical subcontractors, rooftop installer, off-grid contractor, non-profit or solar hot water provider.

Solar Power World also expanded the list by 150 companies over last year’s Top 250, mirroring growth in the industry. This is the third iteration of the Top Solar Contractors list, which began in 2012.

“America’s solar industry is currently on pace to achieve another record-shattering year,” says Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “This simply wouldn’t be possible without the effort, hard work and creativity of these Top 400 Solar Contractors.”

The 2014 Top Solar Contractors list is a multi-faceted project by Solar Power World. The list details each company ranked, from No. 1 First Solar to No. 400 Sunnyside Solar, including location, year founded, number of employees and website. Solar Power World divided the Top 400 list a number of ways, including by market:

Beyond the lists, Solar Power World reported on how Top Contractors achieve success. Contractors shared tips for effective hiring and powerful marketing. Experts weighed in on how banks could soon help local installers obtain financing. And one company shared a story about finding success after experiencing the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

“We are so proud of our list, which has expanded not only by number, but by the types of recognition we can give contractors in multiple segments across the solar industry,” says Solar Power World managing editor Kathie Zipp. “Thanks to all the companies who participated – we are thrilled to honor your hard work in our publication.”

Solar Power World also featured three Top Contractors in “A Time To Shine,” a video about being a solar contractor today. View it here:

As a former “employee” of Future Energy Savers (San Jose), I am disgusted by their lack of ethics and lack of best business practices, and a true black eye on the industry. I am glad they are not recognized.